Nature Journal Twelve (NJ12): A "Wild" Coyote


Nature Journal Twelve: A “Wild” Coyote

            It was a brisk day running throughout the neighborhood in Scottsdale. The sun hid itself behind the towering mountains while the clouds began to blanket the sky. My ankle crunched with every step as the sole of my shoe kicked up an exhaust trail of asphalt. I decided to take a break at the local recreation center midway through my four-mile excursion. I turned on the light on my phone to better illuminate my surroundings before I saw four pearly white orbs looking at me from the tennis courts. I began to get a closer view before I could see the sleek fur of two dogs. As I assumed that they ran away from home, I began to take a step to look for a collar, little did I know these were no house dogs. I was looking directly into the face of coyotes. I sat still as a statue to show I was no threat. The air became cold and the sound of cars from the freeway died into the distance. They were magnificent creatures, their muscles were toned from their daily hike yet they moved as silent as a snake.

            Quietly moving in a circle to examine my threat they began to nod at each other as if they were gossiping about my stature. As I slowly stepped back and gave them their kingdom back, I began to think to myself. How is it that I get upset that some coyotes are near my house and could threaten my dog? I am in their backyard, yet I have taken ownership of that which is not mine. While the neighbors and I deem this trespassing and send out a letter to residents, it is important to understand that they meant no harm as I interrupted their livelihood. Unfortunately, through industrialization we have forcefully instilled migration amongst these creatures from their rightful home. It was amazing to have an up close experience, yet it was nerve-racking at the same time as I am uncomfortable seeing wild creatures. That is a token to my inexperience in nature and I hope that my future wanderings outdoors will allow me to become more comfortable to shared experiences with wildlife.



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